Automatic lift



24, 1936. A. F. ANJESKEY AUTOMATI C LIFT 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 27, 1932 fe/dfs.

Br an 60]. ALnHa/vse F/l/VJEJSKEY.

A. F. ANJESKEY 2,035,359

7 AUTOMATIC LIFT Filed Feb. 27, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 If?! ve 7((0 a. ALPHONSE fi Arms/rs Y.

clh 24, 1936.

A. F-. ANJESKEY AUTOMATIC LIFT Filed Feb 27, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Mar. 24, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC LIFT Application February 27, 1932, Serial No. 595,641

13 Claims.

.The present invention relates to a transfer system and more particularly to the control for a movable section of rail used to transfer carriers from one track to another on the same or different levels.

In a transfer system of the type referred to, the articles to be transferred from one place to another are supported on transfer carriers adapted to be moved along a track in any suitable manner, as by manual means or by gravity, etc. When it is desired to transfer the carrier from one track to another, either on the same or a different level, the carrier is run onto a movable section of track positioned in alignment with the track from which the carrier is to be moved, after which the movable section of track is moved to a position in alignment with the track to which the carrier is to be moved, and the carrier moved off the movable section onto the second track. The movable section of track may consist of a transfer bridge, drop section, raised section, two elevation transfer section, tongue or slide switch, or any device used to move a carrier from one position to another. In operation, the movable section of, track is often moved while the carrier is only partly positioned thereon, resulting in damage to the equipment and load and in unnecessary delay.

An object of the invention is the provision of novel means for moving a movable section of a transfer track from alignment with one track into alignment with another which will return the section to its original position and which will not operate with carriers improperly positioned on the transfer system.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel control circuit for an electric motor used to move a movable section of a transfer track which will return the section to its original position as the carrier moves along the system and which will prevent operation of the motor when the carrier is not properly positioned on the system.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment; of the invention described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a section of a transfer system embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the upper level part of the system shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the control mechanism shown in Fig. 1 but in a different operating position;

Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged views of the control mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the mechanism 5 shown in Fig. 4,10oking toward the right;

Fig. 7 is an end elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 5, looking toward the right;

Fig. 8 is an end elevational view of the lower level part of the system shown in Fig. 1, looking toward the left; and

Fig. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram of the hoist motor and control circuits.

As illustrated, the invention is shown applied to a monorail transfer system provided with a vertically movable section, but it is understood that the control system of the invention may be applied to other transfer systems and any type of movable section.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a section of a monorail transfer system which includes alower level track I0, an upper level track II, and a rise section of track I 2 for moving carriers from track ID to track II. A carrier I3 provided with front wheels I4 and rear wheels I5 is adapted to travel along the transfer system from left to right, as viewed in the various figures, either under the action of gravity or any well known means. I

The stationary tracks Ill and II are supported in any suitable manner, as by hangers (not shown) attached to an overhead structure I6. The movable section of track is supported by hoist cables I! Wound on a drum I8 and is raised and 1 lowered by a reversible hoist motor I8 provided with an electric brake and connected to the drum I8. The free ends of the cables I! are connected to shock absorbing mechanism 2 I. The drum I8 and hoist motor I9 are supported by the overhead structure I6 in any suitable manner. 40

The movable section of track I2, is it travels between the lower level track I0 and the upper level track II is guided by a vertical I-beam 25 which forms part of a structure 26 connecting adjacent ends of the tracks I0 and II. A member 21 pivotally connected as by the pin 28 to a bracket 29 fixed to the movable section I2 carries rollers 30 in engagement with the I-beam 25 at opposite sides of the Web thereof, which roll up and down along the beam as the section I2 50 is raised or lowered. A pin 3I carried by the bracket 29 is positioned to engage in an opening in a plate 32 attached to the structure 26 at the lower end of the I-beam 25 and aids in aligning the movable section I2 with the lower level track H). A stop 34 slidably carried by the movable section l2 at one end thereof prevents the carrier from running off the movable section when the movable section is not in alignment with the lower level track. When the movable section I2 is lowered into alignment with the lower level track, the stop 34 is raised to an inoperative position. The carrier is prevented from running off the right-hand end of the movable section l2 when the section is not in alignment with the track I l by a pair of bars 35 pivoted between their ends to the movable section i2 above the track. The lower ends of the bars 35 project into the path of the carriage wheels and obstruct this movement. The upper ends of the bars 35 are adapted to engage the structure 26 and move the lower ends of the bars out of the path of the carriage wheels when the movable section I2 is in its up position.

Control units designated in general by the reference characters and M are supported on top of the stationary track H. Unit 45 consists of a bracket 42 secured to the track I! by plates 43 and 44 attached thereto and to the track I l as by the rivets 45. A stationary contact member 46 is carried by the bracket 52 and properly insulated therefrom. A movable contact member consisting of a pair of fingers 41 is resiliently supported on and insulated from a pin 48 carried at the end of an arm 45 fixed to a short shaft 55 rotatably mounted in the bracket 42. A pair of levers 5|, one on either side of the bracket 42, are keyed to the shaft 50 and project into the path of the wheels on the carrier 3. The construction is such that the contacts 46, 4'! are opened as the levers 5i are rotated about the axis of the shaft by the wheels of the carriage passing thereunder. The levers 5!, which normally rest on the tread of the track, are so constructed that after the wheelshave passed thereunder they act as stops and prevent movement of the carriage in the reverse direction.

The unit 4i consists of a bracket 55 secured to the track It by plates 55 and 51 attached thereto and to the track H as by the rivets 58. Two stationary contacts 59 and 60 are fixed to a plate 6| carried by the bracket 55. The contacts 59 and 6B are insulated from the plate 6| and are engaged by a movable contact consisting of a pair of fingers 52 resiliently supported on and insulated from a pin 63 carried at the end of an arm 64 fixed to a short shaft 65 rotatably mounted in the bracket 55. A pair of levers $6 on either side of the bracket 55 are keyed to the shaft 55 and project into the path of the wheels on the carrier I3. A stop 8? fixed on the bracket 55 limits the movement of the lever 56. As the wheels of the carrier pass under the levers 65, the movable contact is rotated to engage the fixed contact 60 and then permitted to drop back into engagement with fixed contact 59. Once the levers 66 have dropped behind the wheels they act as stops and prevent reverse movement of the carriage. The levers 55 slope downwardly and to the rear from shaft 65 and the contact 62 cannot be operated by backing a carrier against said levers.

A stop lever 68 pivotally supported on a pin 69 attached to the bracket 55 is adapted to be raised by the wheels of the carrier l3 as they pass underneath along the track H and drop behind the wheels and prevent movement of the carrier in a reverse direction once they have passed the stop. A pin H! attached to the stop 58 engages the bottom of an opening H in the bracket 55 and limits the downward movement of the stop 68. The construction and location of the stop 68 is such that it drops behind the front wheels l4 of the carrier before the rear wheels [5 have passed the stop 5|, see Fig. 3, and before contacts 62 touch contacts 60.

A normally closed limit switch 12 is attached to the structure 25 in such a position that it is engaged and opened by the movable section l2 when it is in its up position. A normally closed limit switch 13 is adjustably secured to a plate 74 carried by the I-beam 25 and is engaged and opened by a cam member 15 on the member 21 when the movable section is in its down position. A manually operated push button switch 16 is attached to the lower end of the I-beam 25. The switch 1'6 is preferably at the lower level but may be located in any convenient position.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic wiring diagram of the hoist motor and the control circuits therefor. The preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed with reference to a two wire system, but it is understood that the present invention is equally applicable to any direct current or alternating current system, either single, two or three phase. The hoist motor I9 is a conventional reversible type of electric motor, the supply of current to which is controlled by solenoid operated contactors and 8|. When contactors 80 are closed, the motor is rotated in a direction to raise the movable section l2, and when contactors 8i are closed, the motor is rotated in a direction to lower the movable section and return it to its original position. The contactors are mounted on a control panel 82 and are provided with an interlock 83 to prevent both circuits being closed at the same time.

In the schematic wiring diagram, the control circuits are shown in light lines and the main motor circuits are shown in heavy lines. Solenoid 85, which operates contactors 80 to rotate the motor IS in such a direction that the movable section 12 is raised, is connected in circuit 86 in series with the normally closed limit switch 12, the normally open push button 16, and the normally closed contacts 5962. Solenoid 81, which operates contactors 8! to rotate the motor E9 in such a direction that the movable section I2 is lowered, is connected in circuit 83 in series with normally closed limit switch '13, normally closed contacts 4641, and normally open contacts 5fl62. The circuits and 81 are connected across the incoming lines 89 and 90.

Circuits 9! and 92 connected to auxiliary contacts 93 and 94 on the contactors 8B and 8| are holding-in circuits for the raise and lower solenoids 85 and 81 respectively. The holding-in circuits 9! and 92 are employed to continue the movement of the movable section in either direction once it has started until it is stopped by the limit switches 12 and 73, independent of the position of the contacts of the push button 16 or the contacts 59B2. An emergency stop push button 95 is located in the control circuits so that the motor i9 may be stopped at any time.

The operation of the system is as follows:

Assuming that the parts are in a position to transfer a carrier from the lower level track ID to the upper level track H, the movable section l2 will be in alignment with the lower level track. The stop will be in its raised position, the stop 35 closed, the limit switch 72 closed, the limit switch 73 open, contacts 464l closed, contacts 59-62 closed, and contacts 6062 open. As the carrier travels along the lower level track I 0 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 1, it is free to move onto the movable section 12, after which the operator closes the push button switch 16 to energize the solenoid 85. The solenoid 85 closes the contactors 8B, releasing the magnetic brake and operating the motor IE] to raise the movable section. After the push button 16 is released the solenoid remains energized through the holdingin circuit 9|.

When the movable section reaches its up position the limit switch 12 is opened,=deenergizing the motor and applying the magnetic brake to hold the movable section in alignment with the upper level track ll. During the movement of the movable section l2, the stops 34 and 35 prevent the carrier from running thereoif. As the movable section reaches its up position, the stop 35 is moved to an inoperative position and the carrier is free to be moved onto the upper level track ll. As the front wheels 14 pass under the lever 5|, contacts 4541 are. opened without causing any change in the control circuit, and the lever 5| drops behind them and prevents backing up of the carrier. Continued movement of the carrier causes the front wheels to lift the stop 68 and engage the stop 66, opening the contacts 5962 and closing the contacts Bil-62 after the stop 68 has dropped behind them. Before contacts 6i3-62 are. closed by the front wheels I4, contacts 46-41 are opened by the rear wheels, thus preventing circuit 86 from being closed to lower the movable section.

As the rear wheels l5 of the carrier pass the control unit 4|, contacts 5962 are again opened and after the stop 68 drops behind them the contacts GIL-62 close. When the contacts 60-62 are closed by the rear wheels of the carrier, circuit 86 is closed since contacts 464'I are closed, and the motor is energized to lower the movable section. As the movable section reaches its downposition, limit switch 13 is opened to stop the motor l9 and apply the magnetic brakes to hold the section again in alignment with the lower level track II]. It is understood that the control system disclosed may be applied to a drop section or any other movable section and the embodiment of the invention illustrated and described is merely the preferred form. I therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise construction shown, and particularly point out and claim as my invention the following:

I claim:

1. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track normally positioned in alignment with the first mentioned track, a carrier provided with front and rear wheels supported on said tracks and adapted to travel therealong, an electric motor for moving said movable section from one track to the other, manual control means for energizing said motor to move said section from its normal position into alignment with said second track, means supported on said second track for energizing said motor to return said section to its normal position and adapted to be operated by the wheels of said carrier as the carrier moves along said tracks, and means for rendering the last mentioned means inoperative when actuated by the front wheels of said carrier.

2. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track spaced vertically of said track, a movable section of track normally positioned adjacent to and in alignment with the first mentioned track, a carrier provided with front and rear wheels supported on said tracks and adapted to travel therealong, a reversible motor for moving said movable section from one track to the other, a circuit for energizing said motor to move said section from its normal position into alignment with said second track, a manually operated switch for closing said circuit, a circuit for energizing said motor in the reverse direction to return said section to its normal position, a normally closed switch in said circuit and supported on said second track adapted to be opened by the wheels of said carrier as it moves along said track, and a normally open switch in said circuit in series with said normally closed switch supported on said second track and adapted to be closed by the wheels of said carrier as it moves along said track, said switches being so positioned that the normally closed switch is opened by the rear wheels of said carrier when the normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier.

3. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track spaced vertically of said track, a movable section of track normally positioned adjacent to and in alignment with the first mentioned track, a carrier provided with front and rear wheels supported on said tracks and adapted to travel therealong, a reversible motor for moving said movable section of track from one of said tracks to the other, a circuit for energizing said motor to move said section from its normal position into alignment with said second track, a manually operated switch for closing said circuit, a second circuit for energizing said motor in the reverse direction to return said section to its normal position, a normally closed switch in said second circuit, a second normally closed switch in said second circuit in series with said normally closed switch and supported on said second track and adapted to be opened by the wheels of said carrier as it moves along said track, a normallyopen switch in said second circuit in series with said first normally closed switch and supported on said second track and adapted to be closed by the wheels of said carrier as it moves along said track, said second normally closed switch and said normally open switch being so positioned that said second normally closed switch is opened by the rear Wheels of said carrier when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier, and a stop adjacent said switches adapted to engage the wheels of said carrier and prevent reverse movement thereof.

4. In a transfer system, the combination of a first track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said first track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in the reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said first track, a normally open switch in said second control circuit, a normally closed switch in said second circuit, means for closing said normally open switch controlled by a carrier positioned on said second track, and means for opening said normally closed switch controlled by a carrier positioned on said second track before said normally open switch is closed.

5. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a movable section of track, a motor adapted to move said movable section of track into and out of alignment with said track, a carrier supported on said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a means for controlling said circuit, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track out of alignment with said track, means comprising a normally open switch and a normally closed switch actuated by a carrier as it moves along said tracks in one direction for energizing said second circuit, means for limiting movement of said carrier in a reverse direction, and means for opening said normally closed switch during any interval that said normally open switch is closed until after the carrier has passed said third mentioned means.

6. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier supported on said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, front and rear wheels on said carrier, a control circuit for said motor adapted to acutate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with one of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a normally open switch in said control circuit, means adapted to be actuated by said wheels as the carrier moves along said tracks for closing said switch and for limiting movement of said carrier in a reverse direction and means for opening said control circuit while said switch is closed by the front Wheels of the carrier.

'7. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier supported on said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, a wheel on said carrier, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with one of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a switch in said control circuit, a member supported above said second track and actuated by the passage of said wheel underneath the same adapted to actuate said switch and limit movement of said wheel in a reverse direction after it has moved from underneath the same whereby said wheel is prevented from backing up and again actuating said switch, and means adapted to prevent movement of said wheel in a reverse direction while it is underneath said member.

8. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier provided with front and rear wheels supported by said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a manual controlled switch for actuating said first control circuit, a normally closed switch in said second control circuit, a normally open switch in said second control circuit, means adapted to close said normally open switch adapted to be actuated by the wheels of a carrier positioned on said second track, and means adapted to open said normally closed switch when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier.

9. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier provided with front and rear wheels supported by said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a manual controlled switch for actuating said first control circuit, a normally closed switch in said second control circuit, a normally open switch in said second control circuit, means adapted to close said normally open switch adapted to be actuated by the wheels of a carrier positioned on said second track, means adapted to open said normally closed switch when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier, and a plurality of pivoted stops supported adjacent said second track adapted to limit the movement of said carrier in a reverse direction.

10. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier supported by said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, front and rear wheels on said carrier, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a manual controlled switch for actuating said first control circuit, a normally closed switch in said second control circuit, a normally open switch in said second control circuit, means adapted to close said normally open switch adapted to be actuated by said wheels as said carrier moves along said second track, and means adapted to be actuated by the rear wheels of said carrier adapted to open said normally closed switch when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier.

11. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier supported by said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, front and rear Wheels on said carrier, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted toactuate said motor in a reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a manual controlled switch for actuating said first con== trol circuit, a normally closed switch in said second control circuit, a normally open switch in said second control circuit, means adapted to close said normally open switch adapted to be actuated by said wheels as said carrier moves along said second track, means adapted to be actuated by the rear wheels of said carrier adapted to open said normally closed switch when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier, and means adapted to prevent movement of said carrier in a re erse direction past said first mentioned means.

12. In a transfer system, the combination of a track, a second'track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track from alignment with either of said tracks into alignment with the other of said tracks, a carrier supported by said tracks and adapted to be moved therealong, front and rear wheels on said carrier, a control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a direction to move said movable section of track from alignment with said track into alignment with said second track, a second control circuit for said motor adapted to actuate said motor in a reverse direction to return said movable section of track into alignment with said track, a manual controlled switch for actuating said first control circuit, a normally closed switch in said second control circuit, a normally open switch in said second control circuit in series with said normally closed switch, means adapted to close said normally open switch adapted to be actuated by said wheels as said carrier moves along said second track, and means adapted to be actuated by the rear wheels of said carrier adapted toopen said normally closed. switch when said normally open switch is closed by the front wheels of said carrier, and means adapted to limit the movement of said wheels in a reverse direction whereby said wheels are prevented from backing up past said first mentioned means.

13. In a transfer system the combination of a track, a second track, a movable section of track, a reversible electric motor adapted to move said movable section of track into alignment with either of said tracks, a carrier having front and rear wheels supported by said tracks and adapted to move therealong, means for controlling the actuation of said motor to move said movable section of track in one direction, means controlled by a wheel of said carrier for controlling the actuation of said motor in a reverse direction, and means for rendering said last mentioned means inoperative when actuated by a front wheel of said carrier.

ALPHONSE F. ANJESKEY. 

